Blog Post 2 GWSS 241

Leslie Munoz Ruiz
Readings: 
Histories and "her stories" from the Bronx: excavating hidden hip hop narratives.
Aisha Durham, Brittney C. Cooper, and Susana M. Morris, “The Stage Hip-Hop Feminism Built: A New Directions Essay,” Signs, Vol. 38, No. 3 (Spring 2013)

The main purpose of “Histories and “her stories” from the Bronx” reading was to “rewrite” history and show that women also made an important contribution to the hip-hop genre just like their male counterparts. For example, Dj Kool Herc had the assistance of his Sister Cindy Campbell. She was the mastermind of his hit songs. Again, history dismisses these women icons, much like the US history..Another example is Sharon Jackson who  became one of the first female members of the Funky Four. She was one of the few women that was actually recognized as a contributor to early hip-hop.  These women empower others and inspire many other female rappers.  They also speak about their own personal experiences about racism, class, and gender. In the “Histories and “her stories” from the Bronx” reading the author states that ”I want to emphasize that Bronx women's hidden hip hop narratives speak as much to social constructions of Blackness as they do to feminine subjectivities.” These women speak about how they felt and what was going on in society during their time. Through music, we start to learn the history of America in the perspectives of young women of color. Hip-hop feminism continues to fight back the patriarchy and uses Black sexual politics to dismantle stereotypes.It also utlizes cultural and feminist roots to combat these stereotypes and inspire others to join their stance.  Hip -hop feminism also inspires other young female artists to feel empowered and to fight inequality. 

Dj selections: 

“Gatekeeper” by Jessie Reyez:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0G2TmuDjL8 

“Be Careful” by Cardi B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zSRkr1nQNw

I chose “Gatekeeper” by Jessie Reyez because it shows that women who try to go into the music industry are not only treated unfairly and taken advantage of but also the power dynamic between males and females. In her song she says “Oh, I'm the gatekeeper/Spread your legs/Open up/You could be famous/If you come up anywhere else, I'll erase you” showing that not only is it already hard to make a name of yourself in the music industry, but also having others control the opportunities that come their way.  This a very powerful song in itself because Jessie Reyez opens up about sexual assault and shows others that its okay to speak about their truth and experiences. Jessie Reyez, to me, empowers women through this song and shows that as a society we must stop this inequality. 

The second song “Be Careful” by Cardi B is a powerful statement as well. She speaks about how her partner had cheated on her and was calling him out on it. She is using her own voice to show her feelings. Additionally, she is showing her audience that they do not need to complicite if their partner does not treat them with respect. Cardi B is a relatively new rapper that represents women empowerment and shows that she is a force to be reckoned with. She speaks out and isn’t afraid to say what is on her mind. She inspires people to never settle for less and to create change.